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“Now is absolutely the moment”

Other areas attempting to lure the broadcaster are understood to have presented options for a partial relocation, in an attempt to increase their chances. But Mr Street has insisted the West Midlands will continue to push for a wholesale relocation, with a decision expected this year.

He told the Birmingham Mail: “Now is absolutely the moment that we’ve got to put forward our case, to ensure Channel 4 makes the very best offer to government.

“Our regional approach has not changed. We are campaigning for a full relocation.

“Whether we will get that is tied up in the discussions with DCMS (the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) and the board of Channel 4.”

Channel 4 HQ in London

Relocation

Former Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said last year that the government would use legislation to force Channel 4 to move, if it refused to do so voluntarily. She was replaced by Matt Hancock in Theresa May’s reshuffle this week, and it remains to be seen whether the new Culture Secretary will take the same tough line.

With Coventry’s successful UK City of Culture bid, and Birmingham named as the host of the Commonwealth Games, Mr Street said the focus will now be on the Channel 4 bid.

He said: “We have to make sure Channel 4 really understands our offer.

“So we what we are going to be doing over the next month is upping the noise around our offer.

“My intel is that now is absolutely right time for that campaign.

“And with the City of Culture dealt with and the Commonwealth Games dealt with, this can be a real focus for the region and DCMS.”

Channel 4 HQ in London (Image: PA)

Rivals

The West Midlands is highlighting the advantages it can offer Channel 4, which include a diverse population, low business costs and good transport links.

Other potential sites for a new Channel 4 base include an area near the planned high speed rail station at Curzon Street, Birmingham city centre, and near the proposed new rail station in Solihull, near the NEC.

A government study last year concluded that moving Channel 4 to the West Midlands would create 3,412 jobs in the region and grow the region’s economy by £235 million.

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CHANNEL 4

Opposition

Think tank ResPublica has recommended Channel 4 be moved to Salford, Greater Manchester, while academics and politicians in Leeds and York have launched a campaign called #4sparks to bring it to Leeds.

Even a full relocation would mean that the broadcaster retains a base in London and some staff, such as the advertising department, may continue to work there.

A compromise proposal of the type Mr Street hopes to avoid could mean little more than a promise to commission more programming from producers outside London.

Former Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham made his opposition to full relocation clear last year, saying it was “a highly destructive proposition”.

He has now been replaced as chief executive by former Ocado director Alex Mahon, but while she has been less outspoken there is no sign of the broadcaster shifting its position.

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